the outer cylinder. Carefully withdraw the inner cylinderfrom the outer cylinder. Pull the metering pin andbulkhead from the inner cylinder with a smoothcontrolled force. Tag or keep parts together to expeditereassembly.CleaningThoroughly clean all parts of the recoil strutassembly, using P-D-680 dry-cleaning solvent (spray ordip) or a similar cleaning solvent. Dry thoroughly withclean, dry, compressed air, paying particular attentionto all recesses and internal passages. Use the cleaningsolvent in a well-ventilated area. Avoid prolongedinhalation of fumes. Keep solvent away from openflames.Cleaned parts that normally come in contact withfluid during operation of the strut should be coated withhydraulic fluid. Depending on local conditions, it maybe desirable to also coat external highly machinedsurfaces.Wipe the lower bearing clean with a clean, lint-freecloth dampened with hydraulic fluid. Do not touchmachined surfaces with your bare hands. Do not usecompressed air to dry bearings. Clean the bearings withnew cleaning solvent and dry with a lint-free cloth.InspectionPerform a thorough visual inspection of thedisassembled parts for serviceability. Packing groovesand surrounding areas should be inspected for scratches,burrs, nicks, or other roughness that might cut packingson installation or cause seal failure during strutoperation. Inspect machined surfaces for mars,abrasions, gouges, grooves, scores, scratches, andcorrosion. If any parts are suspected of having cracks,the part should be inspected using one of thenondestructive methods of testing.Check all threaded parts for distorted or mutilatedthreads. Inspect plated surfaces for blistering, flaking,wear, or other defects.Within the limits of practicability, check all holesfor concentricity and taper, using an internalmicrometer, hole gauges, plug gauges, or similarequipment. Check the angle between the piston and theaxle. Check to ensure that the brake flange isperpendicular to the axle. Inspect all ports, bores, andpassages for cleanliness. Place bearings next to asensitive compass to check for residual magnetism.Bearings should be inspected for obvious damage,Brinelling (shallow indentations in the raceway), orcorrosion. Rotate bearing races and check forroughness, binding, or looseness. Bearing retainers mustbe checked for cracks, warpage, and corrosion. Refer tothe tables furnished in the applicable accessories manualor the Intermediate Maintenance Section of theappropriate MIM for service limits established forcritical areas.Repair or ReplacementRepair or replace all parts that show evidence ofexcessive wear, scoring, or corrosion. Replace all partsthat show wear beyond the dimensions specified in theinspection standards tables found in most 03 manuals orMIMs.Each time the strut is disassembled, all preformedand special packings should be replaced, although theymay appear to be serviceable.NOTE: Never work on machined services withmetallic tools. Always use brass O-ring tools forchecking scratches and removing or replacingseals and gaskets.Blend out minor scratches, nicks, and burrs frommachined surfaces of steel parts with a crocus cloth. Usealuminum oxide abrasive cloth to polish aluminumparts. The smoothness of the repaired area must be equalto or smoother than the finish of the surrounding area.Do not attempt to remove normal wear marks from thesliding surface of the piston.NOTE: Partial removal of plating from theinner cylinder will condemn the part fromfurther service, pending replating of thecylinder. Portable brush-type plating equipmentis available in some intermediate maintenanceactivities for touch-up plating of minor areas.Areas with damaged paint or other protectivefinishes must be restored to a serviceable condition.If any bushings require replacement, the matingbushing must also be replaced.ReassemblyReassemble the strut assembly in essentially thereverse order of disassembly. Exercise adequateprecautions to ensure that dirt, dust, grit, or other foreign12-27